The Number Sequence of Lost

The numerological meaning behind the recurring sequence 4 8 15 16 23 42

Based on the Numerology of Hans Decoz

ABC's 'Lost' has kicked the concept of repeating numbers up a notch, giving a specific sequence -- 4 8 15 16 23 42 -- a recurring role. As we follow the lives of plane crash survivors struggling on an unknown island, strange connections appear between each character and their surroundings.

Take the rotund Hurley, a young man plagued by the number sequence 4 8 15 16 23 42. While this exact sequence proved to be the winning lottery numbers for his $114 million jackpot, Hurley experienced nothing but bad luck (including deaths in the family and his own plane crash) with his newfound wealth.

Once on the island, Hurley discovers that the only radio transmissions he and his friends receive include this very same number sequence. It's also revealed that entering this sequence into a computer located in the heart of the island is integral to keeping a potential catastrophe at bay. So what does it all mean?

A numerologist can easily look at these strange coincidences, then study the numbers to prove that they combine to describe the conflicting personalities of the 'Lost' clan, summarize the show's plot thus far and ultimately give us clues about where 'Lost' is headed in its final season.

4
Jack Shepherd, the first character we encounter on the show and the survivors' reluctant leader, is a true 4. This number reflects a steady head and someone who is good in a crisis; consider how this young surgeon ran out to the beach, pulled people out of the wreckage and instructed a fellow traveler to sew up a potentially lethal wound with a needle and thread. His foresight enabled him to get a population of shocked victims out of harm's way ... fast.

But there is a weakness to this typical 4, too. Although Jack is heroic and displays startling acts of bravery, his smarts are limited to academic knowledge and practical know-how; he lacks emotional savvy. This is evident in how he interacts with the women he loves, and how he cannot forgive himself for his difficult relationship with his father.

8
This business-savvy number could represent a handful of recurring characters, because it hints at authority and efficiency. But if we understand this number sequence to reflect the timeline of the survivors' experience, 8 represents a would-be villain: Ben Linus. Ben is the leader of a shadowy clan of island-dwellers called The Others, who live seemingly modern lives but are vague about their origins and whose mysterious motivations seem dark at best.

As the man in charge, Ben reflects a true 8-style demeanor: driven by a specific (if secret) vision, he is self-reliant and he can often be detached from the emotions and material concerns that weigh down his people. But the ugly underbelly of the 8 is even truer of Ben: he is so goal-oriented that he can be cruel to the point of being homicidal; his plans are aggressive and he appears driven by greed.

'Lost' Numerology: The Number Sequence of 'Lost' | Tarot.com -- Continued »